Kokomo council approves first reading of no-parking restrictions on parts of Imperial Drive and Gano Street

The Kokomo Common Council voted 6–2 on first reading to approve Ordinance 72-27, which would add no-parking restrictions on stretches of Imperial Drive and Gano Street because the roads’ cross sections fall short of the city’s 29-foot standard, council members said.

Councilman Tony Stewart, who introduced the measure, told the council the affected sections have back-of-curb cross sections of roughly 25 to 26 feet and “this is concerning” for safety. He said a recent increase in traffic and nonresident parking prompted neighbors’ requests for no-parking signs.

Resident Carly Martin of 1228 Imperial Drive urged the council to consider alternatives and asked for “a little bit of grace.” Martin said her household of four relies on on-street parking, that several families share narrow driveways, and that posting both sides would create practical hardships for her family.

City staff member Mr. Pike told the council he is not an enforcement officer but explained an overriding ordinance requires drivers to leave a set distance from the center line when parked on a street, which he said is “virtually impossible on a 25 foot road.” He added that signing the restrictions would permit enforcement and that physically widening the road would likely require right-of-way negotiations with INDOT.

Resident Hannah Guillaume asked whether residents would be notified; council members said they would try to notify affected residents and emphasized that this was only a first reading. The council clerk confirmed the ordinance’s second reading and final vote are scheduled for Feb. 23.

During roll call, Councilmen Capshaw, Stewart, Collins, Davis, Greek and Micklek voted yes; Councilmen Stevenson and Plough voted no. The presiding officer announced the motion passed 6 to 2.

Supporters of the change said it addresses safety concerns for emergency and large vehicles; opponents and several residents asked the council to consider one-sided restrictions, a delayed implementation, or other mitigations to avoid undue hardship.

The ordinance modifies Title 2, Chapter 79 (No Parking Generally), Title 3, Chapter 79 (No Parking Specified Times), and Title 6, Chapter 78 (Speed in School Zones) of the Kokomo City Code. The council scheduled the ordinance’s second reading and potential final action for its Feb. 23 meeting.